Correlation of photovoltaic geographical information system data with other solar radiation estimates in the Niger delta area of Nigeria

Abstract

The solar radiation that penetrates the atmosphere to reach the earth’s surface can be used in a variety of the fields such as solar engineering, building design, agriculture and hydrology. It is therefore important to investigate solar radiation, especially in equatorial zones like Nigeria where solar-energy potential is high and holds a high promise because of its sustainability. In this study, a 12-month record of global solar radiation (GSR) data in Niger Delta region of Nigeria (4.75 - 7.25 N lat. and Long. 5.20 - 8.32 E) made up of 19 years average of 1985-2004 were obtained from Photovoltaic Geographic Information System (PVGIS). A solar radiation model and interpolation technique and data from NASA/METRONORM (22 years average of 1983-2005) were compared with Hargreaves estimates of Global Solar Radiation using temperature difference data obtained from 1961-1990 from the International Water Management Institute site (http://dw.iwmi.org/IDIS_DP/clickandplot.aspx). Correlation of the PVGIS with other solar radiation estimates, gave positive agreement. The implication of the high potential solar radiation in the Niger Delta region for solar electricity generation was stressed from the viewpoint of making a case for renewable energy investment in the region.

Keywords: Solar energy, global solar radiation, Photovoltaic GIS, Niger Delta

International Journal of Natural and Applied Sciences, 6(2): 173-180, 2010